BEEKEEPERS in Okehampton heard a fascinating talk at the group's third winter meeting on Tuesday December 14 at Whiddon Down Village Hall.

The talk on the role of the bee inspector was given by Okehampton Beekeepers' Association member Glyn Berrington, formerly the seasonal bee inspector for the West Devon and East Cornwall area.

Glyn's talk emphasised the vital role of bee inspectors in maintaining the welfare of colonies, and he expressed a fear that in the current economic circumstances the number of inspectors may be subject to further cuts.

Glyn also reassured members that the role of the bee inspector was to check on the health of their bees, not their proficiency as a beekeeper, and that a visit from the inspector would often include helpful advice and assistance.

The association was also thrilled to receive a Christmas card from Ted Scutt from Portsmouth, who maintained his membership of the Okehampton association when he moved to Portsmouth last year.

At the meeting, four members of the association — Ruth Stainer-Smith, Suzie Beardswell, Simon O'Sullivan and Maggie Gill — were also presented with their basic beekeeping certificates.

The next meeting of the association will be on Tuesday January 11 at Whiddon Down Village Hall, where chairman Ray King will discuss Queen rearing and Queen Bee improvement.